Know Your Teacher: ‘I am intrinsically motivated & wired to teach’

There is a Japanese proverb, “Learning from a truly great teacher is discovery — not studying. And a thousand days seem like one day for the inspired pupil.” The proverb is very apt. Understanding your teachers’ teaching style, preferences, and expectations can help you tailor your approach to learning.

When you know your teacher, a student may feel more at ease asking questions, seeking clarification, or seeking extra help when needed. Teachers are more likely to provide guidance and support to students they know well and who demonstrate a genuine interest in learning.

A student has to remember that a teacher can be an essential source of support and guidance throughout their academic journey. Teachers often have valuable insights and experiences that they can share to help you make informed decisions. More so, if they have been in the school for decades.

Meet Sonu Punni, an English teacher at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar. She has done her post-graduation in English along with a BEd and a post-graduate diploma in teaching English from the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages, Hyderabad.

Punni said that Apeejay Schools are a Mecca of education in Jalandhar. “Teaching at Apeejay Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar was a dream come true for me and yes the law of attraction worked for me when I became a part of the Apeejay family in July 1999,” Punni said, whose mother inspired her to become a teacher and teaches classes X, XI, and XII.

There is no substitute for book reading. Reading books helps children hone their language skills by increasing their exposure to language and eventually improving it; it also helps in learning grammatical structures rather than explicit instructions

=SonU Punni, an English teacher at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg

Excerpts from the interview.

What is the most amazing aspect of teaching?

I have been teaching at Apeejay School for the last 24 years. My total teaching experience is 32 years. The most amazing aspect of teaching is to see little ones evolve into successful human beings. Moreover, while teaching, you learn something new every day.

How do you build trust with students?

The students in junior classes bond with the teachers quickly whereas it takes a lot of effort to bring the students of senior classes in sync. It is not easy to engage them as they easily become bored and distracted. It is a challenge for every subject teacher to keep them fully engrossed.

You teach English. How can students improve their language skills? Some tips for students.

There is no substitute for book reading. Reading books helps children hone their language skills by increasing their exposure to language and eventually improving it. Reading helps in learning grammatical structures rather than explicit instructions. Maintaining a vocabulary book of useful words and phrases either in a notebook or computer aids learning. Every time you come across a word or a phrase you are not familiar with, note it down and look it up — search for their synonyms and phrases in which these words are used.

What are some things that can be done to motivate underachievers?

I try to win the trust of my students with empathy, a big dollop of motherly affection, friendly guidance and a practical approach towards their problems because I feel that after a mother it is only a teacher who leaves the deepest imprint on a child’s psyche. I lay stress on the role of willpower and determination in my classes. I tell them that their strong determination is going to take them ahead in life.

Teaching comes with challenges. How do you remain motivated?

In the present scenario, teaching comes with challenges. But for me, teaching is a passion. I am so indebted to God that He has allowed me to combine my vocation with my vacation. My whole world exists within the four walls of my classrooms. I don’t need any outside motivation. I am intrinsically motivated and have been wired to teach.